Last week I attended The Amenity Forum’s Annual Conference, held at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

The Amenity Forum is the Voluntary Initiative for the amenity sector, who cover all aspects of weed, pest and disease management.

Ian Graham is the Forum’s current Chairman and it was he who welcomed everybody and set the scene for the day’s conference.

First up to speak was Corrina Urquhart, the new CEO for BASIS - the independent standards setting and auditing organisation for the pesticide, fertiliser and allied industries.

Corrina was keen to talk about the changes taking place to modernise the way BASIS operates. She spoke about their recent structural and staff changes, along with the new developments such as the BASIS CPD app which has gone live. This makes it easier to access and update your CPD information.

The formation of a new board has allowed BASIS to serve a much broader range of sectors – including amenity, pest control and agriculture.

Corrina also spoke about working more closely with the likes of GMA, BIGGA and BALI and other prominent organisations, to ensure that there is the potential for all training and educational opportunities and CPDs to be brought under the umbrella of BASIS.

I personally believe this would be a good thing for our diverse industry. It would be a game changer for all who work in our sector to have a clear path of education, training and valued CPD points.

Next up was Kelly Marie Clack, technical & research lead for Origin Amenity who gave a fascinating insight to the challenges faced by professional and volunteer grounds personnel who look after sports and amenity facilities. She focused on the impact of climate change on turf management, highlighting significant changes in temperature, rainfall, and humidity over the past 30 years. She said how spring temperatures rose by 1°C, and rainfall decreased by 30%, affecting grass growth and disease management. The conversation emphasised the need for new technologies and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to address emerging diseases like pythium and dollar spot. Key points included the importance of using the right nitrogen sources, moisture management, and pigment technologies to improve photosynthesis and stress resistance.

Kelly’s key message was that we as an industry must work together. Collaboration among industry professionals was deemed crucial for our future success.

Her key message was “If we're going to look at change, we're going to look at challenge, we're going to look at innovation, and we're going to look at new technologies that we may see coming into the industry. And then think about what that next chapter means, because that next chapter isn't one person alone, it's a collaboration of everybody in our industry, from machinery, from technologies, from fertilisers through to what we're doing on education here today. So, we've got to work together to get to that next chapter and protect the industry that we all love so much”.

Kelly’s presentation really emphasised the complexities of managing a natural turf playing facility. She stressed how it takes much effort, knowledge, experience and investment to overcome the ongoing challenge of expectation faced by our practicing grounds professionals.

She also said how industry collaboration is crucial in addressing changing weather patterns by bringing together expertise from different sectors. Key strategies include:

• Sharing research and data on emerging diseases and climate impacts
• Developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that adapt to new environmental conditions
• Collaborating on innovative technologies like disease-resistant grass cultivars, advanced pigments, and bio-control products
• Creating joint research initiatives to understand and mitigate the effects of changing weather on turf management
• Developing comprehensive approaches that combine environmental management, nutrition, and technological solutions

The goal is to create a unified approach that helps turf managers maintain high-quality surfaces despite increasingly unpredictable climate conditions.

It was then the turn of Henry Brechelet, ICL, and Glenn Kirby, STRI to give us an insight into the success of their recent ICL / Syngenta popular podcast performances. Reconstructing a live podcast in front of the attending conference delegates, both Henry and Glenn talked about the initial impact of the podcast in terms of its value for technical training and agronomy. The podcast, initially aimed at 300 listeners, grew to 600-750 monthly, with 60-70% retention. It was popular among professionals, including reps and lecturers, and influenced agronomy practices. Metrics showed longer episodes were more effective. The podcast led to the development of the Syngenta Turf Advisor app, which has seen significant downloads. It emphasised the importance of data-driven advice and collaboration. The speakers highlighted the podcast's role in personal development, industry challenges, and the need for unified initiatives.

All in all, their live podcast was a refreshing way for two well respected industry agronomists to get across valuable information and guidance for turf practitioners.

We then had an interesting insight into the turf growing and harvesting industry by Richard Owens from Tillers Turf. Richard spoke in depth and provided an overview of the company's operations, highlighting its history, scale, and diversity.

Established in 1987 and now covering nearly 900 hectares, Tillers grows 26 different turf products, including golf turf and wildflower turf. The company employs 29 staff with over 122 years of experience and uses 19 miles of irrigation pipe annually. And have a licence to extract and use 1.6 million cubic metres of water annually if required.

Tillers also emphasised their sustainability efforts, including precision farming, water management, and the use of GPS technology. Challenges include rising costs, labour shortages, and the impact of artificial turf on the environment.

We also had a film of the work involved growing, harvesting and laying a new natural hybrid turf playing surface at the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Just before lunch Ian Graham then gave a short presentation on what is sustainability and are we achieving it? He showed a few photographs of weeds on the public highways / pavements. He said that there is generally a higher cost involved in using alternative methods to pesticides. He also spoke of trials using acetic acid, hot foam and electricity, plus talked about the use of brushing techniques.

In summary, the discussion focused on sustainability's three pillars: environmental, social, and economic. Key points included the challenges of using organic fertilisers, the push for Integrated Pest Management, and the environmental and cost implications of alternatives like acetic acid and hot foam. The Cardiff trials highlighted glyphosate's cost-effectiveness and high customer satisfaction compared to acetic acid and hot foam. Concerns were raised about a bill in England prohibiting professional plant protection products post-2028. The meeting concluded with a call for better integration of new practices with existing methods to support the sector's core services.

After a refreshing lunch break, the afternoon session began with interesting presentation by Brian Taylor from the Knotweed company who spoke about new techniques for dealing with invasive weeds.

Brian spoke of the success of both the Dutch "roots reset" and Norwegian steam stabilisation techniques. The roots reset method involves cultivating soil, incorporating a special fertiliser to promote soil bacteria and fungi, and sealing it with an airtight barrier for 9-12 months to eradicate weeds like Japanese knotweed. This method is herbicide-free but costly and time-consuming. The steam stabilisation technique uses high-temperature steam to kill weeds, with early results showing effectiveness. Both methods have potential but are expensive and require large-scale application, making them more suitable for construction sites than residential areas.

For me it reminded me of the old soil steam sterilisation methods we used for potting composts back in the 1980s.

The final presentation of the day centred around a new mapping application for documenting and recording spray application works by Andy Hogan of AGTerra Technologies. He spoke about Map It Fast, a mapping solution for field workers, particularly noxious weed sprayers.

The app allows users to collect and view data on a map, including geo-tagged photos and custom forms. It integrates with Bluetooth devices called Action Mappers to track spray data accurately. The software also includes a plugin called Spray Logger for compliance documentation.

Andy demonstrated the app's functionality, including data export to Google Earth. Interested parties inquired about the product's use in the UK and its integration with Rural Green software. Andy offered to connect potential customers with existing users for further insights into the company’s mapping technology.

To wrap the conference, Ian opened the floor for discussion about the role of the Amenity Forum and what its future aims and objectives should be?

The discussion focused on the government's role in pesticide use, emphasising the need for scientific data to support decisions, highlighted the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) and the safety of glyphosate, noting its effectiveness in water.

Some delegates spoke of the practical challenges of maintaining highway networks without glyphosate, citing increased costs and inefficacy. Another delegate spoke of the National Action Plan's 10% reduction target for pesticides by 2028. The consensus was that glyphosate is crucial for IPM and that the industry needs to better communicate its benefits to counteract misinformation from activist groups.

Based on the meeting discussion, the next steps for the Amenity Forum include:

• Actively educate local authorities and the public about integrated pest management, emphasising the scientific evidence supporting responsible pesticide use.
• Develop a proactive communication strategy to counter misinformation from groups like Pan UK, focusing on the safety and necessity of glyphosate in certain contexts.
• Engage with local councils to explain the infrastructure and financial implications of completely eliminating pesticides.
• Create a clear, balanced message that highlights the middle ground approach - integrating sweeping, maintenance, and targeted herbicide use.
• Gather more input from industry members to ensure the forum's messaging represents the collective perspective.
• Be prepared to speak out against extreme positions and provide factual, data-driven information about pesticide use.

The overall goal is to be more vocal, transparent, and educational about the role of pesticides in integrated pest management.

In essence it is vitally important that the Amenity Forum continues to show the value of good practises and must continue to engage with government bodies to demonstrate the value of using the right IPM strategies to control weeds pest and diseases. 

Bernhard and Company is deeply saddened to announce that its founder, Stephen Bernhard, passed away peacefully at the age of 79.

In an official statement the company said Stephen was a visionary leader whose influence shaped not only Bernhard and Company, but the global turf and agronomy industries. His passions for innovation, education, and excellence have inspired generations of turf professionals and remain embedded in the culture and values of the company today.

Stephen founded Bernhard and Company in the early 1980s and over several decades, guided the business from its roots in precision engineering and horticulture to become a world-renowned leader in turf technology. His philosophy, that success comes from continuous learning, collaboration, and a genuine care for the craft, continues to define how the company operates and serves its customers across the world.

Driven by his belief in lifelong education, Stephen established the Bernhard Academy in 2019, designed to provide outstanding opportunities for professional growth and knowledge sharing within the turf industry. His commitment to nurturing talent and supporting others has touched an immeasurable amount of lives and careers, and his legacy will continue to inspire the next generations of turf professionals for years to come.

Throughout his distinguished career, Stephen contributed enormously to the advancement of the industry. For more than 25 years, he was actively involved with the BIGGA Delegation, providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for British turf professionals to visit the USA’s GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, in the process mentoring and supporting countless individuals. His achievements were recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2008 - an honour he was immensely proud of. Most recently, at this year’s BTME, Stephen was also awarded BIGGA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising his lifelong dedication to supporting the industry that he so much loved.

Steven Nixon, managing director of Bernhard and Company, said, “Stephen’s passing is an immense loss to the global turf industry and to all of us at Bernhard and Company. His influence is felt in every part of our business - in the way we innovate, the way we work, and the way we support each other and our customers. Over his many years of involvement with the BIGGA Delegation and beyond, he touched so many lives with his generosity, wisdom, and passion. His legacy will continue for years to come, inspiring us to uphold the values he lived by every day.”

Bernhard and Company concluded that Stephen will be remembered as a pioneer, mentor, a friend, and a man whose vision and compassion transformed an industry and built a company that continues to thrive on the foundations he laid.

EGO Europe GmbH (EGO) and Royal Reesink have announced that they have reached an agreement on the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Stierman De Leeuw B.V. that will take effect on 1 November 2025.

Stierman De Leeuw are an importer and wholesaler of forestry, garden, and park machinery for the Benelux market.

EGO say the acquisition will allow them to "respond quickly to market developments, streamline the supply chain, and further strengthen its competitive position."

Peter Melrose, MD of EGO Europe said, “We are very pleased to welcome Stierman De Leeuw (SDL) and its employees into the EGO organisation. Over many years, SDL has played a crucial role in building the EGO brand in the Benelux market. By bringing the business directly into our European structure, we can further invest in the dealer network, strengthen service and support, and accelerate growth in this important region.

"As part of the broader Chervon Group, SDL will now benefit from the resources, stability, and innovation strength of a global leader in battery-powered outdoor power equipment. For our dealers and customers, this acquisition secures the future of EGO distribution in the Benelux. This step reflects our long-term commitment to the European market and enables us to be closer to our customers, respond faster to their needs, and introduce new categories, including next-generation robotic mowers.

"We look forward to working with our new colleagues to continue delivering innovative, sustainable solutions and the highest levels of customer satisfaction.”

Stierman De Leeuw B.V. and its entire team will continue operations from their current location in Apeldoorn.

The organisers of SALTEX, the Grounds Management Association (GMA), have announced they have partnered with the Football Foundation to provide free car parking for all attendees this year - an initiative jointly funded by both organisations.

They say this initiative directly responds to feedback from visitor research that highlighted affordability as a key priority. 

The GMA have also said that November's staging has seen a 10% year-on-year increase in visitor registrations

Chris Smith, head of programmes at the Football Foundation said, “It’s great that attendance this year has grown once again and that together we've been able to provide more people with the opportunity to attend SALTEX with the addition of free car parking for all attendees.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, added, "We are delighted to see such strong growth in visitor registrations this year. It demonstrates that SALTEX continues to be the place where the industry comes together to share knowledge, discover innovation, and celebrate progress. The introduction of free car parking in partnership with the Football Foundation is another way we’re adding value to the visitor experience."

MAKE HAY WHILST THE SUN SHINES

EARLY AUTUMN COLOUR

A ROBOTIC GAME CHANGER

AN ENJOYABLE, VALUABLE TWO DAYS

KEEPING COOL UNDER PRESSURE

FUNDING, SKILLS & STANDARDS

THE BUSINESS OF SHOWS

COMBATTING SUMMER STRESSES

MERE-LY ROBOTS

GROUNDS FOR RESPECT

DIFFICULT TIMES FOR PARK FUNDING

TURF PROFESSIONALS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

TIME FOR EFFECTIVE COLLABORATIONS

THE HEAT IS ON!

A GROWING BUSINESS

INVESTMENT, SUCCESSION & EXPANSION

ROBOTS TAKING THE STRAIN ON COURSE

MAINTAINING WEED FREE SURFACES

ROBOTIC LINEMARKING IN ACTION

HABITAT, HERITAGE & HANDS-ON SKILLS

DRYING TIMES

GUARDIANS OF THE ESTUARY

INVALUABLE PUBLIC GREEN SPACES

DRIED OUT

A CHANGING PARKS ENVIRONMENT

A FLUSH OF GROWTH

LATEST DEVELOPEMENTS

CHANGING THE MINDSET OF SPORTS CLUBS

FLUSH OF SPRING

TEN-DAY PREP

SQUARE PREPARE

BUSY TIME ON THE COURSE

WEATHER TO SPRAY?

SPRING IS ON ITS WAY

BUZZY BTME

SHOW WEEK AGAIN

ROBOT WARS

WHAT WILL THE NEW YEAR BRING?

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NEW STRATEGY

BASIS commits to amenity sector

RECRUITMENT & CAREER PROGRESSION IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
How the GMA is tackling the key issues

ON TEST
Segway Navimow

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE SUPPLY OF FERTILISERS

To the amenity sector

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part four

REFLECTIONS ON A CAREER
A lifetime of dedication

CREATING AN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN
Key steps

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part three

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part two

50 YEARS OF GOLF STEWARDSHIP
Part one

DEMONSTRATING AND APPLYING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Reviewing the tools available

CRICKET MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE DECADES
Part two

CRICKET MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE DECADES
Part one

A LOOK AT THE OPTIONS
When implementing an integrated approach

50 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Part two

50 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Part one

57 YEARS & COUNTING!
My life in the industry

DEMONSTRATING AND APPLYING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
New series of articles for 2025

IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Examples from across the year

VINTAGE PUSH MOWER USE
Enthusiast maintains lawn the old fashioned way

SUSTAINABLE AMENITY MANAGEMENT
Principles and practises

PLACING URBAN GREEN SPACES AT THE HEART OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Midlands Parks Forum's annual conference

RAISING THE VOICE
At the Amenity Forum's annual conference

SUSTAINABLE PARKS
Parks For London case study

WHY GRASSROOTS RUGBY IS IN DECLINE
A steady drop off in participation.

SEEDS OF SUSTAINABILITY
Focus on a major supplier of grass seed and related products to the amenity sector

ON TEST
STIHL BGA 300 cordless leaf backpack blower

ON TEST
EGO Multi-tool

PUT THEM ON THE TOOLS!
Time for an attitude change

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE TRAINING SECTOR
Grasping the challenge of encouraging more sustainable practice

SUSTAINABILITY IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Lessons learnt and experiences

SKILL SETS NEED RECOGNITION
Turf professionals are underappreciated

GREATER RESPECT FOR GROUNDS STAFF MIGHT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
To the recruitment crisis

A COMPETITIVE SALARY
Why employers should advertise the salary when recruiting new staff

ON TEST
Makita XGT UV001G lawn scarifier

AN EXAMPLE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN MACHINERY SUPPLY
Focus on Kubota

MY PERSONAL GREENKEEPING PHILOSOPHY HAS NEVER CHANGED
I don't follow any set program

SUSTAINABILITY IN LANDSCAPING
A substantial element of amenity activity

IS IT TIME TO SAY NO TO 'NO MOW MAY'?
Any real benefits?

SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PARKS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES
Meeting the challenge

THE PATH TO WIMBLEDON
For groundstaff member, Conrad Cavil

ON TEST
EGO LBP8000E backpack blower

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR
A key consideration

BEEKEEPING IN COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
The current situation

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR
Optimising land use through integrated solutions

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR
Focus on BIGGA

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Bringing together key points

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GOLF
R&A are supporting clubs

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF EVERY POUND OF BUDGET
A course manager's view

A NEWFOUND APPRECIATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
Who look after grassroots pitches

SUSTAINABILITY & THE UK ACTION PLAN
For weed, pest and disease management

CONCERN FOR PARKS FOLLOWING COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES
What does the future hold?

TAKING A GLOBAL LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY
Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice?

RENOVATIONS, PLAY AND THANKS
On my mind this week

SUSTAINABILITY – IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING & EDUCATION
Set to play a crucial role going forward

TULIP TREE
Liriodendron tulipifera

LYDIA BROOM
Genista lydia

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY
The most important nutrient

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
How to put into practice when budgets are tight?

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY
Clubs are struggling

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential

TIME FOR ACTION
To reverse recruitment crisis

CONTROLLING COSTS
Planning is crucial

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What exactly does the term mean?

CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS
From volunteers to contractors

DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY
Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate

WE CAN ALL DO MORE
To aid biodiversity

MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
With Bruce Cruickshank

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

I was sad to hear of the recent passing of Stephen Bernhard who died last week aged 79.

Stephen was a formidable personality, a mover and shaker, who worked tirelessly to take the amenity and sports turf industry forward in many ways. Not only did he build up Bernhard and Company to be a global institution for turf care, he changed and educated the way greenkeepers could improve the quality of their playing surfaces.

Stephen founded Bernhard and Company in the early 1980s and over several decades, guided the business from its roots in precision engineering and horticulture to become a world-renowned leader in turf technology. His philosophy, that success comes from continuous learning, collaboration, and a genuine care for the craft, continues to define how the company operates and serves its customers across the world.

Having met and interviewed Stephen on numerous occasions, I found him to be most knowledgeable and driven to increase the educational opportunities for people working in our diverse industry.

He achieved this in many ways. For more than 25 years, he was actively involved with the BIGGA Delegation, providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for British turf professionals to visit the USA’s GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, in the process mentoring and supporting countless individuals.

Stephen also established the Bernhard Academy in 2019, designed to provide outstanding opportunities for professional growth and knowledge sharing within the turf industry.

His achievements were recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2008 - an honour he was immensely proud of. Most recently, at this year’s BTME, Stephen was also awarded BIGGA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising his lifelong dedication to supporting the industry that he so much loved.

For me, while in his company, he always found a way to inspire you and change the way you could do things for the better. I remember fondly a week’s trip to Ireland that Stephen sanctioned, travelling in a truck with Steve Nixon to demonstrate the Bernhards Grinders at several golf courses.

I also remember talking to Stephen about the blazers he made his staff wear - such an iconic talking point. He was certainly one of our industry’s greats – and one of a few that have helped shape the professionalism of our sports turf and amenity industry.

I would certainly put him in the same league of other great stalwarts of our unique turf industry. For me, he is definitely up there with the likes of Harry Brind, Eddie Seaward, Mick Hunt, Walter Woods, and Professor Bill Adams to name a few.

As Steve Nixon said, "His legacy will continue for years to come, inspiring us to uphold the values he lived by every day.”